23 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing. 24 But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, 25 and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man.

John 2:23-25

The guys in the picture above scribbled marker on their face in an attempt to disguise themselves to rob a bank. HA HA HA!!! Your attempt to appear even marginally righteous in God’s eyes (or probably anyone’s eyes who knows you at all) is just as ridiculous.

Apparently the Greek text here indicates that people were seeing His signs and were believing in His name, but He was not believing in them. He could see straight through what their belief and their righteousness was made of. At first blush, we are tempted to think, “what a cynic Jesus is!” However, on reflection, what a relief this is! I don’t want Him to have to believe in me! I am glad that He knows up front that I am not to be trusted, and that I am a sinner, and that even all of my righteousness is selfishly and sinfully motivated. I need a savior who does not require my faithfulness and trustworthiness. I need a savior who sees me exactly how I really am at my worst and still offers Himself as the Lamb who takes away my sin. I need a husband who loves me so much that He forgives all and gives all for the love of me! He is the giver of new wine at weddings, and His blood is the new wine we get drunk on. All is forgiven, and He loves us forever! Amen!